Contents reproducing apparatus with telephone function

ABSTRACT

A contents reproducing apparatus includes a main CPU, and the main CPU causes a DSP to decode broadcast data included in a radio packet signal input via a LAN controller in a radio mode, and inputs decoded PCM data to a D/A converter. As a result, a sound of Internet radio is output from a speaker. On the other hand, in a telephone mode, the main CPU causes the DSP to decode receiving speech data included in a telephone packet signal input via the LAN controller, and inputs decoded PCM data to a PCM codec. The CPU causes the DSP to encode the sending speech data input from the PCM codec, and packetizes encoded data to input it to the LAN controller. Thus, it is possible to make a communication with an opponent party.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a contents reproducing apparatus withtelephone function. More specifically, the present invention relates toa contents reproducing apparatus with telephone function capable ofselectively reproducing a telephone voice signal and a first contentsignal.

PRIOR ART

A number of techniques for integrating an apparatus for reproducingcontents such as music, etc. and a telephone are conventionallyproposed. For example, in Japanese Patent Laying-open No. 4-134952, amobile telephone apparatus integrating a cassette tape recorder and/or aradio receiver is disclosed. By integrating the cassette tape recorderand/or radio receiver into the mobile telephone apparatus, it ispossible to utilize the mobile telephone apparatus as a cassette taperecorder or a radio receiver during a stand-by time period.

By the way, along with the popularization of the Internet andbroadbandization of communication lines, a so-called Internet radiobroadcasting capable of delivering on the Internet programs similarly toradio broadcasting has recently come into practical use. Furthermore, ina telephone communication sector also, the Internet (IP: InternetProtocol) telephone service for making a communication by use of theInternet has been put to practical use. Similarly to the above-describedprior art, it is convenient that both of the Internet radio receiver forreceiving such the Internet radio broadcasting and the IP telephone forreceiving the Internet telephone service are provided in an integratedmanner. Also, since information is transmitted on the basis of theTCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) in both cases,it is possible to utilize a circuit portion for performing a decodingprocess in common, capable of realizing cost reduction of the apparatus.

However, when a part of the apparatus is utilized in common, theapparatus cannot simultaneously execute the functions as an Internetradio receiver and the function as an IP telephone. Accordingly, at atime that a program of the Internet radio broadcasting is received, whenthere is a telephone call to activate the function as the IP telephonefunction, the program that has been received is suddenly interrupted. Inthis case, when only one listener for listening to the Internet radiobroadcasting is present, and he/she answers a telephone call, there isnot cause for concern, but when two or more listeners are present, andany one of them answers a telephone call, the other listeners feelunpleasantness in a sudden silent circumstance (the one calls byvoices).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide anovel contents reproducing apparatus with telephone function.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a contentsreproducing apparatus with telephone function capable of meltingunpleasantness due to activation of a telephone function whilereproducing contents.

A contents reproducing apparatus with telephone function according tothe present invention comprises a reproducing means for selectivelyreproducing a telephone voice signal and a first content signal, agenerating means for generating a second content signal, a disablingmeans for disabling the generating means when a reproduced signal by thereproducing means is the first content signal, and an activating meansfor activating the generating means when a reproduced signal by thereproducing means is the telephone voice signal.

According to this invention, the reproducing means selectivelyreproduces the telephone voice signal or the first content signal. Whenthe first content signal is reproduced by the reproducing means, thegenerating means is disabled by the disabling means. On the other hand,when the telephone voice signal is reproduced by the reproducing means,that is, when the function as a telephone works, the generating means isactivated by the activating means. Consequently, the second contentsignal is generated by the generating means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the telephone voice signalis output by the first output means. Then, the first content signal andthe second content signal are output from the second output means.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the telephone voicesignal and the first content signal are received by the receiving meansvia a common communication line.

It is noted that the second content signal is preferably the same genreas the first content signal.

Furthermore, the present invention is effective when being applied to afixed-type apparatus. That is, in the fixed-type apparatus use, aplurality of persons simultaneously receive contents in some cases. Insuch a case, if one speaks by utilizing the telephone function, theothers can receive contents according to the second content signal.

According to the present invention, when the function as a telephone isactivated during reproduction of the first content signal, the secondcontent signal is generated, capable of melting unpleasantness of aperson receiving the contents.

The above described objects and other objects, features, aspects andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the present invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a configuration of a packettransmitted or received in FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of an operation of a main CPU inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 4 through a different routefrom FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 7.

BEST MODE FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a contents reproducing apparatus with telephonefunction (hereinafter, simply referred to as a contents reproducingapparatus) 10 is a fixed-type apparatus including a function as anInternet radio receiver and a function as an IP telephone, and providedwith a communication connector 12 to be connected to a telephone line(strictly, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem not shown)via a communication cable not shown. The communication connector 12 isconnected to a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16 via a LAN (LocalArea Network) controller 14 within the contents reproducing apparatus10. It is noted that the main CPU 16 is formed of an ASIC (ApplicationSpecified IC).

When the contents reproducing apparatus 10 functions as the Internetradio receiver, the main CPU 16 becomes a radio mode. In the radio mode,the main CPU 16 fetches streaming data including broadcasting contentsfrom radio packet signals being sequentially input via the LANcontroller 14. Then, the fetched streaming data, that is, the broadcastdata are sequentially stored in a broadcast data storing area 18 a of anSDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) 18. When a data amount of the broadcastdata stored in the broadcast data storing area 18 a reaches a firstthreshold value, the main CPU 16 transfers the stored broadcast data toa DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 20 incorporated in itself. It is notedthat the first threshold value here is of the order of 16 [kB]-32 [kB],for example, and corresponds to the data amount of the order of oneseconds-two seconds in terms of time.

The broadcast data transferred to the DSP 20 is data compressed based ona well-known sound information compression system such as MP3(MPEG-1/Audio Layer3) and WMA (Windows Media Audio: registeredtrademark), and the DSP 20 decodes the compressed broadcast data toreproduce PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data before the compression. Thereproduced PCM data is input to a D/A converter 22, and converted into asound signal being an analog electric signal. The converted sound signalis input to an amplifier circuit 26 via a sound source switching circuit24 so as to be subjected to an amplifying process and then, input torespective speakers 28 and 30 on both sides. Thus, a sound of Internetradio broadcast is output from the respective speakers 28 and 30.

On the other hand, when the contents reproducing apparatus 10 functionsas an IP telephone, the main CPU 16 becomes a telephone mode. In thetelephone mode, the main CPU 16 fetches streaming data includingcontents of a receiving speech from telephone packet signals beingsequentially input via the LAN controller 14. Then, the fetchedstreaming data, that is, receiving speech data are sequentially storedinto a receiving speech data storing area 18 b of the SDRAM 18. When adata amount of the receiving speech data stored in the receiving speechdata storing area 18 b reaches a second threshold value, the main CPU 16transfers the stored receiving speech data to the DSP 20. It is notedthat the second threshold value here is also a value approximately thesame as the first threshold value (the order of 16 [kB]-32 [kB]), andcorresponds to the data amount of the order of one seconds-two secondsin terms of time.

The receiving speech data transferred to the DSP 20 is compressed in asound information compression format for communication such as the ADPCM(ITU-T Recommendation G.726) and the CS-CELP (ITU-T RecommendationG.729), and the DSP 20 decodes the compressed receiving speech data intoPCM data according to a well-known μ-law (ITU-T Recommendation G.711)compression/expansion rules. The converted PCM data is input to a PCMcodec 32, and subjected to a decoding process according to the μ-lawcompression/expansion rules so as to be converted into a sound signalbeing an analog electric signal, that is, a receiving speech signal. Theconverted receiving speech signal is input to a speaker 36 a of areceiver 36 after being amplified by an amplifier circuit 34. Thus, areceiving speech sound is output from the speaker 36 a.

Furthermore, in the telephone mode, a sound input to a microphone 36 bof the receiver 36, that is, a sending speech voice is converted into asending speech signal being an analog electric signal by the microphone36 b. The converted sending speech signal is amplified by an amplifiercircuit 38, and then, input to the PCM codec 32. The PCM codec 32performs an encoding process according to the above-described μ-lawcompression/expansion rules on the input sending speech signal togenerate PCM data, that is, sending speech data. The generated sendingspeech data are sequentially stored in a sending speech data storingarea 18 c of the SDRAM 18 in the DMA (Direct Memory Access) system.Specifically, at the same time that the above-described receiving speechdata is decoded by the DSP 20, the sending speech data is sequentiallystored in the sending speech data storing area 18 c of the SDRAM 18.When the data amount of the sending speech data stored in the sendingspeech data storing area 18 c reaches a third threshold value, and thereceiving speech data is not subjected to a decoding process by the DSP20, that is, the data amount of the receiving speech data in thereceiving speech data storing area does not reach the second thresholdvalue, the main CPU 16 transfers the sending speech data stored in thesending speech data storing area 18 c to the DSP 20.

It is noted that the third threshold value is larger than the secondthreshold value, and is, for example, 64 [KB]-128 [KB]. However, thesending speech data stored in the sending speech data storing area 18 cis data complying with the μ-law compression/expansion rules lower incompression ratio than the receiving speech data of the receiving speechdata storing area 18 b, and therefore, the third threshold valuecorresponds to the data amount of the order of one seconds-two secondsin terms of time similarly to the second threshold value.

The DSP 20 performs the encoding process complying with theabove-described ADPCM format or CS-CELP format on the transferredsending speech data. Then, the main CPU 16 forms the encoded data into apacket signal complying with the TCP/IP, and inputs the formed packetsignal to the LAN controller 14. The LAN controller 14 sends the inputpacket signal in an access system according to the Ethernet (registeredtrademark) standard via the communication connector 12. Thus, the packetsignal including the sending speech data is transmitted to an opponentparty for making a speech.

It is noted that the radio packet signal input to the main CPU 16 viathe LAN controller 14 in the radio mode and the telephone packet signalinput to the main CPU 16 via the LAN controller 14 in the telephone modealso comply with the above-described TCP/IP. The packet signal complyingwith the TCP/IP has four layers including the first to fourth layers asshown in FIG. 2.

The first layer being the lowest layer is called a “network interfacelayer”. In the “network interface layer”, information relating to anapparatus actually connected to the network (Interne, here) such as theMAC (Media Access Control) address, an interface standard (Ethernetstandard, here) adapted to the apparatus, etc. is stored. The secondlayer is called an “Internet work layer”, and in the “Internet worklayer”, information required for sending a packet signal to the opponentparty such as information relating to addressing and routing, etc. isstored. The third layer is called a “transport layer”, and in the“transport layer”, information for retaining reliability ofcommunication between a sender and a receiver such as an order of thepacket signal, error correction, retransmission control in a case ofoccurrence of an error, etc. is stored. Then, the fourth layer being thehighest layer is called an “application layer”, and in the “applicationlayer”, data to be transmitted and received such as the broadcast datain the radio mode and the receiving speech data or the sending speechdata in the telephone mode, etc. is stored. Furthermore, in the“application layer”, various instructions such as a channel selectinginstruction, a calling instruction, etc. described later are alsostored.

Meanwhile, when receiving a telephone call in the radio mode, that is,when receiving a telephone packet signal including a calling instructionindicating that there is a telephone call from an arbitrary opponentparty via the LAN controller 14, the main CPU 16 shifts from the radiomode to the telephone mode. Then, an incoming instruction for informingthe opponent party of arriving a calling instruction is generated, and apacket signal including the incoming instruction in the above-described“application layer” is further generated. The generated packet signal isinput to the LAN controller 14. Thus, the telephone packet signalincluding the incoming instruction is transmitted to the opponent party,and on the opponent party, it is recognized that the calling instructionis arrived at a calling destination called by the opponent party.

The main CPU 16 further controls a pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 tooutput an incoming tone from the speaker 44. This incoming tonecontinues to be output until the receiver 36 is held to change a hookswitch 40 into an off-hook state, that is, until an operator answers thetelephone. Then, when the hook switch 40 becomes the off-hook state, themain CPU 16 generates a response instruction indicative of responding tothe calling from the opponent party, and further generates a packetsignal including the response instruction in the “application layer”.Then, the generated packet signal is input to the LAN controller 14.Thus, the telephone packet signal including the response instruction istransmitted to the opponent party to establish a communication with theopponent party.

It is noted that when the opponent party hangs off before the operatortakes the telephone, that is, when the telephone packet signal includingan end speech instruction indicative of being rung off by the opponentparty during the output of the incoming tone is received via the LANcontroller 14, the CPU 16 generates a similar end speech instruction.Then, a packet signal including this end speech instruction in the“application layer” is generated, and the generated packet signal isinput to the LAN controller 14. Thus, the telephone packet signalincluding the end speech instruction is transmitted to the opponentparty, and a communication performance with the opponent party is ended(before an actual communication is performed). Furthermore, the main CPU16 controls the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 to stop outputtingthe incoming tone from the speaker 44. Thereafter, the telephone mode isshifted to the radio mode.

Also, when the receiver 36 is lifted to change the hook switch 40 to theoff-hook state in the radio mode, the main CPU 16 shifts from the radiomode to the telephone mode. Then, the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42is controlled to output a dial tone from the speaker 36 a of thereceiver 36. The dial tone is continued to be output until a dialingoperation described later is made by the operation key 46. It is notedthat when the hook switch 40 is shifted to the on-hook state before thedialing operation is made, the main CPU 16 controls the pseudo-soundgenerating circuit 42 to stop the output of the dial tone from thespeaker 36 a. Then, the telephone mode is shifted to the radio mode.

When the dialing operation is made as described above, the main CPU 16generates a calling instruction for calling the opponent partydesignated by the dialing operation. A packet signal including thecalling instruction in the “application layer” is generated, and thegenerated packet signal is input to the LAN controller 14. Thus, thetelephone packet signal including the calling instruction is transmittedto the opponent party.

When in response to the transmission of the telephone packet signalincluding this calling instruction, a telephone packet signal includingthe incoming instruction similarly to the above-description istransmitted from the opponent party, the main CPU 16 controls thepseudo-sound generating circuit 42 to output a calling sound from thespeaker 36 a of the receiver 36. The calling sound continues to beoutput until a telephone packet signal including a response instructionsimilarly to the above description is transmitted from the opponentparty. Then, when the telephone packet signal including the responseinstruction is received, the main CPU 16 controls the pseudo-soundgenerating circuit 42 to stop outputting the calling sound from thespeaker 36 a. This enables establishment of a communication with theopponent party.

It is noted that in a case that the line is busy on the opponent partyside at a time that the telephone packet signal including the callinginstruction is transmitted, a telephone packet signal including a busyinstruction is transmitted from the opponent party. In this case, themain CPU 16 controls the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 to output abusy tone from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36. The busy tonecontinues to be output until the hook switch 40 is shifted to theon-hook state.

Furthermore, in a case that a telephone number designated by the dialingoperation is a missing number, a telephone packet signal including themissing number is sent from an arbitrary server in the Internet (enroute). In this case, the main CPU 16 controls the pseudo-soundgenerating circuit 42 to output a sound message indicating thatdesignated telephone number is a missing number (error) from the speaker36 a of the receiver 36. The sound message also continues to be outputuntil the hook switch 40 shifted to the on-hook state.

When the opponent party hangs up in a state a communication isestablished with the opponent party, a telephone packet signal includingan end speech instruction similarly to the above description istransmitted from the opponent party. When receiving the telephone packetsignal, the main CPU 16 controls the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42to output a busy tone from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36. The busytone continues to be output until the hook switch 40 shifts to theon-hook state. Then, when the hook switch 40 is shifted to the on-hookstate, the main CPU 16 generates a similar telephone packet signalincluding the end speech instruction, and inputs the generated telephonepacket signal to the LAN controller 14. Thus, the telephone packetsignal including the end speech instruction is transmitted to theopponent party to end a series of communication performance with theopponent party. Then, the main CPU 16 shifts from the telephone mode tothe radio mode.

On the other hand, when the hook switch 40 is shifted to the on-hookstate before the opponent party hangs up in a state communication isestablished, the main CPU 16 generates a telephone packet signalincluding the end speech instruction as described above, and inputs thegenerated telephone packet signal to the LAN controller 14. Thus, thetelephone packet signal including the end speech instruction istransmitted to the opponent party. In response to the transmission ofthe telephone packet signal, when receiving a similar telephone packetsignal including the end speech instruction from the opponent party, themain CPU 16 ends a series of communication performances. Then, thetelephone mode is shifted to the radio mode.

Furthermore, the contents reproducing apparatus 10 in this embodimentincludes a sub CPU 48 in addition to the main CPU 16. The sub CPU 48 isin charge of a so-called man-machine interface, and the above-describedoperation key 46 is connected to the sub CPU 48.

Specifically, when a dialing operation is performed in the telephonemode as described above, the sub CPU 48 informs the main CPU 16 of thecontent of the dialing operation. The main CPU 16 generates theabove-described calling instruction on the basis of the content of thedialing operation informed by the sub CPU 48.

Alternatively, when the main CPU 16 is in the radio mode, it canarbitrarily select a receiving channel (station) by an operation of theoperation key 46. More specifically, when an arbitrary channel isselected by an operation of the operation key 46, the sub CPU 48 informsthe main CPU 16 of information relates to the selected channel. The mainCPU 16 generates a channel selecting instruction for receiving broadcastof the selected channel on the basis of the information informed by thesub CPU 48. Then, a packet signal including the channel selectinginstruction is generated, and the generated packet signal is input tothe LAN controller 14. Thus, the radio packet signal including thechannel selecting instruction is transmitted to a broadcast station(server) designated by the channel selecting instruction, and a radiopacket signal including broadcast data is transmitted from the broadcaststation to the contents reproducing apparatus 10.

The sub CPU 48 is also connected with a liquid crystal display 50. Whenthe main CPU 16 is in the radio mode, the sub CPU 48 displays on theliquid crystal display 50 information indicative of a current receivingcircumstance such as a name of the selecting receiving channel, acompression format of the broadcast data on reception, etc. On the otherhand, when the main CPU 16 is in the telephone mode, the sub CPU 48displays a current communication circumstance indicative of a telephonenumber of the opponent party, a calling time period, etc. on the liquidcrystal display 50.

Furthermore, the contents reproducing apparatus 10 in this embodiment isprovided with a CD (Compact Disc) player 52 and an AM/FM tuner 54. Then,when the main CPU 16 shifts from the radio mode to the telephone mode, asound (including music) taking any one of the CD player 52 and the AM/FMtuner 54 as a sound source can be output as a BGM from the speakers 28and 30.

Specifically, when the main CPU 16 shifts from the radio mode to thetelephone mode, information thereof is transmitted to the sub CPU 48from the main CPU 16. The sub CPU 48 receives the information from themain CPU 16 to operate (turn on) any one of the CD player 52 and theAM/FM tuner 54 according to a BGM setting condition described later.Then, the sound source switching circuit 24 is controlled such that ananalog sound signal output from any one of the CD player 52 and theAM/FM tuner 54 is input to the amplifier circuit 26 via the sound sourceswitching circuit 24. Furthermore, the sub CPU 48 sets a gain of theamplifier circuit 26 according to the above-described BGM settingcondition. Thus, a BGM taking any one of the CD player 50 and the AM/FMtuner 52 as a sound source is output from the speakers 28 and 30.

It is noted that it is possible to previously set which is to beoperated as a BGM sound source, the CD player 50 and the AM/FM tuner 52by operating the operation key 46. It is also possible to arbitrarilyset a gain of the amplifier circuit 26 at that time, that is, a volumeof the BGM by operating the operation key 46. Also, it is possible toset so as not to output the BGM. These settings are stored in the flashmemory 56 as the above-described BGM setting condition. Then, the BGMsetting condition is, when the main CPU 16 shifts from the radio mode tothe telephone mode, read by the main CPU 16 so as to be transmitted tothe sub CPU 48.

In the flash memory 56, a control program for controlling an operationof the main CPU 16 is also stored. Also stored in the flash memory 56 bythe above described pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is pseudo sounddata for outputting an incoming tone, a dial tone, a calling sound, abusy tone and a sound message.

Furthermore, the contents reproducing apparatus 10 in this embodiment isprovided with another flash memory 58 in addition to the above. Theflash memory 58 is utilized as contents memory for downloading thebroadcast data while the above-described flash memory 56 is a programmemory storing a control program and so on. More specifically, in theradio mode, when a recording instruction is applied by an operation ofthe operation key 46, the main CPU 16 records the received broadcastdata before decoded in the flash memory 58. Although the recordedbroadcast data can be reproduced in the reproduction mode, a detaileddescription will be omitted here.

Furthermore, as to the above-described CD player 52 and AM/FM tuner 54,respective reproduction sounds can be output from the arbitrary speakers28 and 30. The detailed description thereof will also be omitted here.

Meanwhile, when a setting of receiving the Internet radio broadcastingis made, the main CPU 16 executes a flowchart in FIG. 3-FIG. 7 accordingto the above-described control program. It is noted that directly afterthe power supply of the contents reproducing apparatus 10 in thisembodiment is turned on, “0” is set to each of flags Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fddescribed later.

That is, the main CPU 16 determines whether or not a current mode is aradio mode in a step S1 in FIG. 3. If it is determined to be the radiomode here, the process proceeds to a step S3 to determine whether or notthe hook switch 40 is in the on-hook state.

When the hook switch 40 is in the on-hook state, the main CPU 16proceeds from the step S3 to a step S5 to determine whether or not anypacket signal is received via the LAN controller 14. In a case that apacket signal is not received, the processes go through at a time torepeat from the step S1 again. On the other hand, when any packet signalis received, the process proceeds from the step S5 to a step S7. Then,it is determined whether or not the received packet signal is the radiopacket signal.

When it is determined the radio packet signal is received in the stepS7, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S9 to extract broadcast data fromthe received radio packet signal, and store the extracted broadcast datain the broadcast data storing area 18 a of the SDRAM 18. Then, it isdetermined whether or not a data amount of the broadcast data stored inthe broadcast data storing area 18 a reaches a first threshold value ina step S11.

In a case that the broadcast data in the broadcast data storing area 18a does not reach the first threshold value, the process by the main CPU16 goes through this flowchart at a time to repeat from the step S1again. One the other hand, in a case that the broadcast data in thebroadcast data storing area 18 a reaches the first threshold value, theprocess proceeds to a step S13 to transfer the broadcast data in thebroadcast data storing area 18 a to the DSP 20 so as to be decoded.Then, PCM data reproduced by this decoding is output to the D/Aconverter 22 in a step S15. Consequently, a sound of the Internet radiois output from the speakers 28 and 30.

When it is determined that the received packet signal is not the radiopacket signal in the above-described step S7, the main CPU 16 proceedsto a step S17. In the step S17, it is determined whether or not thereceived packet signal is the telephone packet signal, and in a case ofthe telephone packet signal, it is determined whether or not thetelephone packet signal includes the above-described calling instructionin a step S19. In a case that the calling instruction is included, theprocess proceeds to a step S21. It is noted that when it is determinedthat the received packet signal is not the telephone packet signal inthe step S17, or when it is determined that the calling instruction isnot included in the step S19, the process goes through this flowchart ata time to repeat from the step S1 again.

In the step S21, the main CPU 16 stores in a register R incorporated initself a current setting state as an Internet radio receiver, that is, acurrent receiving channel and a volume (gain of the amplifier circuit26). Then, in a step S23, the sub CPU 48 is controlled so as to play aBGM on the basis of the BGM setting condition stored in theabove-described flash memory 56, or to prohibit the output of the BGM.After the radio mode is shifted to the telephone mode in a step S25, anincoming process is executed in a step S27. That is, the above-describedincoming instruction is generated, and a telephone packet signalincluding the incoming instruction is further generated. Then, thegenerated telephone packet signal is input to the LAN controller 14.

After executing the incoming process in the step S27, the main CPU 16controls the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 so as to generate anincoming tone from the speaker 44 in a step S29. Then, in a step S31,“1” is set to the flag Fa provided in itself, and the process goesthrough the flowchart. It is noted that the flag Fa is an index forindicating whether or not a calling instruction from the opponent partyis in an arrival state, and when the flag Fa is “1”, this indicates anarrival state of the calling instruction from the opponent party. On theother hand, when the flag Fa is “0”, the calling instruction from theopponent party is not arrived.

Furthermore, in the above-described step S3, when the hook switch 40 isnot in the on-hook state, that is, in the off-hook state, the main CPU16 proceeds to a step S33. Then, a current setting state as the Internetradio is stored in the register R in the step S33, and the sub CPU 48 iscontrolled so as to play a BGM on the basis of the BGM setting conditionstored in the above-described flash memory 56 in a step S35, or toprohibit the output of the BGM in a step S37. Furthermore, in the stepS37, the radio mode is shifted to the telephone mode, and in a step S39,the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is controlled so as to generatethe above-described dial tone from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36.Then, in a step S41, “1” is set to the flag Fb provided in itself, andthe process goes through the flowchart. It is noted that the flag Fb isan index indicating whether or not the operator intends to make atelephone call from now, and when the flag Fb is “1”, this means thatthe operator lifts the receiver 36 to make a telephone call. On theother hand, when the flag Fb is “0”, this means that the operator doesnot intend to make a telephone call, and does not lift the receiver 36.

In the telephone mode in the above-described step S1, the main CPU 16proceeds to a step S43 shown in FIG. 4. Then, it is determined whetheror not the receiver 36 is in the on-hook state in the step S43.

When the receiver 36 is in the on-hook state, the main CPU 16 determineswhether or not the above-described flag Fa is “1” in a step S45. Then,when the flag Fa is “1”, that is, when a calling instruction from theopponent party is received, it is determined whether or not any packetsignal is received in a step S47. In a case that no packet signal isarrived, the process goes through this flowchart at a time to repeatfrom the step S1 again. On the other hand, when any packet signal isreceived, the process proceeds to a step S49 to determine whether or notthe received packet signal is the telephone packet signal.

When it is determined the telephone packet signal is received in thestep S49, the main CPU 16 further determines whether or not theabove-described end speech instruction is included in the telephonepacket signal in a step S51. Then, in a case that the end speechinstruction is included, an end speech process is executed in a stepS53. That is, the above-described telephone packet signal including theend speech instruction is generated, and the generated telephone packetsignal is input to the LAN controller 14.

After executing the end speech process in the step S53, the main CPU 16controls the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 so as to stop outputtingthe above-described incoming tone in a step S55. Then, “0” is set to theflag Fa in a step S57, and then, the telephone mode is switched to theradio mode in a step S59. Furthermore, a receiving channel of theInternet radio and its volume also are set on the basis of the datastored in the above-described register R in a step S61. Then, theprocess goes through the flowchart to return to the step S1.

It is noted that in a case that it is determined that the receivedpacket signal is not the telephone packet signal in the above-describedstep S49, the process of the main CPU 16 goes through the flowchart toreturn to the step S1. Furthermore, in a case that it is determined thatthe end speech instruction is not included in the telephone packetsignal in the step S51, the process proceeds to a step S61 to determinewhether or not the calling instruction is included. When the callinginstruction is included here, the busy process is executed in a stepS62. That is, a telephone packet signal including the above-describedbusy instruction is generated, and the generated telephone packet signalis input to the LAN controller 14. On the other hand, in a case that thecalling instruction is not included, the process goes through theflowchart to return to the step S1.

In addition, in a case that “1” is not set to the flag Fa in theabove-described step S45, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S63 shownin FIG. 5. In the step S63, it is determined whether or not “1” is setto the flag Fb. If “1” is set to the flag Fb, that is, if the receiver36 is lifted up, the process proceeds to a step S65. In the step S65,the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is controlled so as to stopoutputting the above-described dial tone, “0” is set to the flag Fb in astep S67, and then, the process proceeds to the step S59 in FIG. 4.

On the other hand, in a case that the flag Fb is “0” in the step S63,the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S69. Then, it is determined whetheror not “1” is set to the flag Fd in the step S69. It is noted that theflag Fd is an index for indicating that the opponent party is beingcalled, and when the flag Fd is “1”, this means that the opponent partyis under being called. On the other hand, when the flag Fd is “0”, thismeans that the opponent party is not under being called.

In the step S69, when the flag Fd is “1”, that is, when the opponentparty is under being called, the main CPU 16 executes an end speechprocess similarly to the above-described step S53 in a step S71. In thiscase, since the above-described calling sound is output from the speaker36 a of the receiver 36, the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 iscontrolled so as to stop outputting the calling sound in a step S73.Then, “0” is set to the flag Fd in a step S75, and the process proceedsto the step S59 in FIG. 4.

In a case that the flag Fd is “0” in the step S69, the main CPU 16proceeds to a step S77. Then, it is determined whether or not “1” is setto the flag Fc. The flag Fc is an index indicating whether or not theopponent party is being communicated, and the flag Fc indicates it isunder-communication with the opponent-party when it is “1”. On the otherhand, when the flag Fc is “0”, this means it is not under-communicationwith the opponent party.

In a case that the flag Fc is “1” in the step S77, that is, in a casethat it is under communication with the opponent party, the main CPU 16executes the end speech process in a step S79 as the same as that in thesteps S53 and the S71. Then, in a step S81, “0” is set to the flag Fc,and the process proceeds to the step S59 in FIG. 4.

On the other hand, when the flag Fc is “0” in the step S77, the main CPU16 proceeds to a step S83 to execute the end speech process similarly tothat in the step S79. In this case, since the above-described busy toneor sound message is output from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36, thepseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is controlled so as to stopoutputting the busy tone or the sound message in a step S85, and theprocess proceeds to the step S59 shown in FIG. 4.

When the receiver 36 is in the off-hook state in the step S43 in FIG. 4,the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S87 shown in FIG. 6. Then, in thestep S87, it is determined whether or not “1” is set to the flag Fa.

When “1” is set to the flag Fa, that is, when the calling instructionfrom the opponent party is arrived, the main CPU 16 controls thepseudo-sound generating circuit 42 so as to stop outputting the incomingtone in a step S89. In a step S91, “0” is set to the flag Fa, and then,a response process is executed in a step S93. That is, a telephonepacket signal including the above-described response instruction isgenerated, and the generated telephone packet signal is input to the LANcontroller 14. In this case, since “1” is set to the above-describedflag Fc, “0” is set to the flag Fc in a step S95, and the process goesthrough the flowchart.

On the other hand, in a case that the flag Fa is “0” in the step S87,the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S97. Then, it is determined whetheror not “1” is set to the flag Fb in the step S97. In a case that “1” isset to the flag Fb, that is, the operator intends to make a telephonecall and lifts the receiver 36, the process proceeds to a step S99. Inthe step S99, it is determined whether or not a dialing operation ismade by the operation key 46.

If the dialing operation is made in the step S99, the main CPU 16proceeds to a step S101 to control the pseudo-sound generating circuit42 so as to stop outputting the dial tone. In a step S103, “0” is set tothe flag Fb, and then, a dialing process is executed in a step S105.That is, the above-described telephone packet signal including thecalling instruction is generated, and the generated telephone packetsignal is input to the LAN controller 14. In a step S107, “0” is set tothe flag Fd, and the process goes through the flowchart. It is notedthat in a case that the dialing operation is not made in the step S101,the process in the steps S101-S107 is skipped to go through theflowchart.

In a case the flag Fb is “0” in the step S97, the main CPU 16 proceedsto a step S109 in FIG. 7. Then, in the step S109, it is determinedwhether or not “1” is set to the flag Fd.

Here, in a case that “1” is set to the flag Fd, that is, in a case thatthe opponent party is under being called, the process proceeds to a stepS111. Then, it is determined whether or not any packet signal isreceived. If the packet signal is not received, the process goes throughthe flowchart at one time. On the other hand, when any packet signal isreceived, the process proceeds to a step S112 to determine whether ornot the received packet signal is the telephone packet signal.

When it is determined that the telephone packet signal is received, themain CPU 16 further determines whether or not the above-describedcalling instruction is included in the telephone packet signal in a stepS113. Then, in a case that the calling instruction is included, a busyprocess similarly to that in the step S62 in FIG. 4 is performed in astep S114, and then, the process goes through the flowchart.

In a case that the calling instruction does not included in the stepS113, it is determined whether or not a busy instruction is included ina step S115. In a case that the busy instruction is included, thepseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is controlled so as to output thebusy tone 53 from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36 in a step S117,“0” is set to the flag Fd in a step S119, and then, the process goesthrough the flowchart. On the other hand, in a case that the receivedpacket signal is not the telephone packet signal, the process directlygoes through the flowchart.

In a case that the busy instruction is not included in the receivedtelephone packet signal, the main CPU 16 proceeds from the step S115 toa step S121. It is determined whether or not the above-described missingnumber instruction is included in the telephone packet signal in thestep S121. In a case that the missing number instruction is included,the main CPU 16 controls the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 so as tooutput the above-described sound message from the speaker 36 a of thereceiver 36 in a step S123, then, the process proceeds to the step S119.In a case that the missing number instruction is not included, theprocess proceeds to a step S125.

In the step S125, the main CPU 16 determines whether or not theabove-described incoming instruction is included in the receivedtelephone packet signal. In a case that the incoming instruction isincluded, the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is controlled so as tooutput the above-described calling sound from the speaker 36 a of thereceiver 36 in a step S127, and then, the process goes through theflowchart. On the other hand, in a case that the incoming instruction isnot included, the process proceeds to a step S129 to determine whetheror not the above-described response instruction is included in thereceived telephone packet signal. Then, in a case that the responseinstruction is included, the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 iscontrolled so as to stop outputting the calling sound in a step S131,“1” is set to the flag Fc in a step S133, and then, the process proceedsto the step S119. In a case that the response instruction is notincluded in the received telephone packet signal, the process goesthrough the flowchart as it is.

Furthermore, in a case that the flag Fd is not “1” in theabove-described step S109, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S135 inFIG. 8. Then, in the step S135, it is determined whether or not “1” isset to the flag Fc.

In a case that “1” is set to the flag Fc, that is, in a case thatcommunication is established with the opponent party, the main CPU 16proceeds to a step S137 to determine whether or not any packet signal isreceived. In a case that the packet signal is received, the processproceeds to a step S138 to determine whether or not the received packetsignal is the telephone packet signal.

When it is determined that the telephone packet signal is received, themain CPU 16 further determines whether or not a calling instruction isincluded in the telephone packet signal in a step S139. Then, in a casethat the calling instruction is included, a busy process similarly tothe process in the step S62 is performed in a step S140 in FIG. 4, andthen, the process goes through the flowchart.

In a case that the calling instruction is not included in the step S140,it is determined whether or not the above-described receiving speechdata is included in the telephone packet signal in a step S141. In acase that the receiving speech data is included, the receiving speechdata is extracted from the telephone packet signal in a step S143, andthe extracted receiving speech data is stored in the receiving speechdata storing area 18 b of the SDRAM 18. Then, the process proceeds to astep S145 to determine whether or not a data amount of the receivingspeech data stored in the receiving speech data storing area 18 breaches a second threshold value.

When the data amount of the receiving speech data stored in thereceiving speech data storing area 18 b reaches the second thresholdvalue, the main CPU 16 transfers the receiving speech data in thereceiving speech data storing area 18 b to the DSP 20 so as to bedecoded in a step S147. Then, PCM data reproduced by the decoding isoutput to the PCM codec 32 in a step S149. Consequently, a receivingspeech sound is output from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36.

It is noted that if it is determined “0” is set to the flag Fc in thestep S135, the process directly goes through the flowchart to repeatfrom the step S1. Furthermore, in a case that it is determined that thereceived packet signal is not the telephone packet signal in the stepS139, or in a case that it is determined that the data amount of thereceiving speech data stored in the receiving speech data storing area18 b does not reach the second threshold value in the step S145, theprocess also directly goes through the flowchart.

Furthermore, in a case that it is determined that the receiving speechdata is not included in the step S141, the main CPU 16 proceeds to astep S151. Then, it is determined whether or not the end speechinstruction is included in the received telephone packet signal. In acase that the end speech instruction is included, “0” is set to the flagFc in a step S153, the pseudo-sound generating circuit 42 is controlledso as to output a busy tone from the speaker 36 a of the receiver 36 ina step S155, and then, the process goes through the flowchart. On theother hand, in a case that the end speech instruction is not included,the steps S153 and S155 are skipped to directly go through theflowchart.

In a case that any packet signal is not received in the above-describedstep S137, the process proceeds to a step S157. Then, in the step S157,it is determined whether or not the sending speech data equal to or morethan a third threshold value is stored in the sending speech datastoring area 18 c of the SDRMA 18. If a storage amount of the sendingspeech data is equal to or more than the third threshold value, thesending speech data is transferred to the DSP 20 so as to be encoded ina step S159. Then, a packet signal is formed on the basis of the encodedsending speech data in a step S161, and the formed packet signal isoutput to the LAN controller 14 in a step S163. Thus, the packet signalincluding the sending speech data is transmitted to the opponent party.It is noted that if the storage amount of the sending speech data in thesending speech data storing area 18 c is less than the third thresholdvalue in the step S157, the process directly goers through thisflowchart at a time to repeat from the step S1 again.

As understood from the above description, the contents reproducingapparatus 10 in this embodiment has the function as an Internet radioreceiver and the function as an IP telephone, and therefore, this isuseful for the user to desire to utilize the both functions. Morespecifically, when it functions as an IP telephone, the function as anInternet radio receiver automatically renders disabled, and therefore,when the operator utilizes the contents reproducing apparatus 10 as anIP telephone, it is possible to save trouble of operating it as theInternet radio receiver.

Further, since each of the broadcast data received when it functions asan Internet radio receiver and the receiving speech data received whenit functions as an IP telephone are decoded by the common DSP 20, incomparison with separately providing decoders for decoding each of thedata, it is possible to reduce a cost of the contents reproducingapparatus 10.

Then, during Internet radio, when there is a telephone call to activatethe IP telephone function, a BGM taking the CD player 52 or the AM/FMtuner 54 as a sound source is output in place of the Internet radio.That is, the activation of the IP telephone function prevents thecontents from being broken up, capable of melting unpleasantness of thelistener. This is more effective in a fixed-type apparatus where aplurality of listeners can simultaneously listen to the contents.

Furthermore, a BGM is-played while the IP telephone function isactivated, and therefore, the operator can make a communication with theopponent party, feeling relax. This is more effective because in the IPtelephone fairly cheaper in calling rate than a telephone communicationutilizing a general telephone line, a lengthy telephone call isprojected.

It is noted that although a description is made on where the function asan IP telephone is added to the Internet radio receiver in thisembodiment, the function as an IP telephone may be added to an apparatusexcept for the Internet radio receiver. For example, the function as anIP telephone is added to an apparatus receiving image information suchas a TV program, and so on over the Internet.

Furthermore, connections to the Internet may be by wired or wirelessmanner. In addition, this invention is also applicable to an apparatuscapable of delivering the contents and making a communication over anetwork except for the Internet.

Then, although the sub CPU 48 is provided in addition to the main CPU16, a processing (man-machine interface processing) by the sub CPU 48may also be executed by the main CPU 16 without providing the sub CPU48. Furthermore, the main CPU 16 and the DSP 20 are integrallyconstructed by the ASIC with each other, or these may be separatelyprovided.

Also, although the player 52 and the AM/FM tuner 54 are provided as aBGM sound source, another apparatus such as cassette tape recorder, andso on may be provided as the BGM sound source. The input of the soundsource switching circuit 24 is provided with an external sound inputterminal, and to the external sound input terminal, the BGM sound sourcemay be connected. Furthermore, broadcasting contents downloaded into theabove-described flash memory 58 may be taken as a sound source.

In addition, a so-called music server (registered trademarks) taking ahard disk recording a plurality of musics in advance as a sound sourcemay be provided. In this case, when the IP telephone function isactivated, if a music the same in genre as the receiving channel of theInternet radio broadcasting is reproduced, it is possible to furtherease unpleasantness of the audience.

Then, the receiver 36 may be connected to the main body of the contentsreproducing apparatus 10 in a wireless manner, and a so-called childdevice may be provided in addition to the receiver. Furthermore, a keydedicated to the dialing operation may be provided in addition to theoperation key 46.

Also, a tone control circuit (equalizer) for controlling frequencycharacteristics of a sound signal input to the speakers 28 and 30, thatis, sound quality of a output sound of the speakers 28 and 30 may beprovided.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

1. A contents reproducing apparatus with telephone function, comprising:a reproducer for selectively reproducing a telephone voice signal and afirst content signal, a generator for generating a second contentsignal, a disabler for disabling said generator when a reproducingsignal by said reproducer is said first content signal, and an activatorfor activating said generator when a reproducing signal by saidreproducer is said telephone voice signal, whereupon a termination ofsaid telephone voice signal said first content signal is automaticallyreproduced by said reproducer, wherein said reproducer includes a DSPfor decoding said telephone voice signal and content signals.
 2. Acontents reproducing apparatus with telephone function according toclaim 1, further comprising: a first outputter for outputting saidtelephone voice signal, and a second outputter for outputting any one ofsaid first content signal and said second content signal.
 3. A contentsreproducing apparatus with telephone function, comprising: a reproducerfor selectively reproducing a telephone voice signal and a first contentsignal, a generator for generating a second content signal, a disablerfor disabling said generator when a reproducing signal by saidreproducer is said first content signal, and an activator for activatingsaid generator when a reproducing signal by said reproducer is saidtelephone voice signal, a first outputter for outputting said telephonevoice signal after reproducing by said reproducer, and a secondoutputter for outputting said first content signal after reproducing bysaid reproducer at a time that said telephone voice signal is not outputby said first outputter, and said second content signal generated bysaid generator at a time that said telephone voice signal is output bysaid first outputter.
 4. A contents reproducing apparatus with telephonefunction according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said second contentsignal belongs to the same genre as said first content signal.
 5. Acontents reproducing apparatus with telephone function according toclaim 2 or claim 3 being a fixed-type apparatus.
 6. A contentsreproducing apparatus with telephone function according to claim 2 orclaim 3, further comprising a receiver for receiving said telephonevoice signal and said first content signal via a common communicationline.
 7. A contents reproducing apparatus with telephone functionaccording to claim 1 or claim 3, further comprising a receiver forreceiving said telephone voice signal and said first content signal viaa common communication line.
 8. A contents reproducing apparatus withtelephone function according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said secondcontent signal belongs to the same genre as said first content signal.9. A contents reproducing apparatus with telephone function according toclaim 1 or claim 3 being a fixed-type apparatus.